Adult: wings dark brownish, grey or charcoal-black with red shading in basal area of forewing; discal spot crescent-shaped, red with whitish center on all wings; red shading beyond PM line on all wings [this last characteristic distinguishes H. cecropia from H. columbia, which has no red shading beyond PM line]

Populations of this species can be found across most of continental North America east of the Rocky Mountains.

Cecropia moths are recorded from the Maritime Prov. of Canada (Nova Scotia & PEI) south to central Florida and west across the Eastern Plains & e. Rockies. (3)

Some reports suggest extreme ne. Mexico adj. to Texas; however, no specimens or vouchers could be located to verify the identity of reported specimens (possibly Eupackardia & Rothschildia???). Additional reports from n. Mexico are likely misidentifications of related taxa (gloveri complex).

The cecropia range overlaps that of Columbia nominate (Hyalophora columbia columbia) in the Great Lakes region of southern Canada, the Maritime Provinces of e. Canada and adjacent US states (Noting the specific habitats for each taxon usually differs), and with Glover's Silk Moth (Hyalophora columbia gloveri / syn. Hyalophora gloveri) along the eastern base of the Rockies and western Plains (Noting the differences in habitat preferences between gloveri and "western cecropia" being slight and much more congruent than that seen with columbia nominate to the east). In areas of sympatry, members of this Genus are known to readily interbreed and several blend zones between and among taxa have been identified.

Both cecropia and gloveri, and moths suggestive of cecropia x gloveri crosses, have been reported in a number of US states (incl. Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, ne. Wyoming, w. South Dakota, w. North Dakota and e./se. Montana) and central Canada.

*However, it's important to mention some of these moths may not be "hybrids" at all, but rather represent the phenotypic extremes within the cecropia taxon proper. Nonetheless, some of these localized populations seem to be self sustaining and remain quite unique in appearance.

Colorado (cecropia x gloveri blend region)

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"H. cecropia x gloveri var. nokomis":

Interesting populations can be found across central Canada where cecropia and columbia gloveri overlap. Many specimens identified as "H. gloveri ssp. nokomis" appear to possess traits typical of cecropia (i.e. red postmedial scaling and coloration).

Although highly variable, yet similar in overall appearance, cecropia moths do possess and exhibit some geographic variability, particularly along the fringes of the range and/or across greater distances and climate zones. Currently, the degrees of differences between & among populations is not well qualified nor quantified, so mixing populations - rearing and release - may have deleterious effects. It is well documented that localized populations often show differences in host preferences and mating times. Mixing populations by importation and release or by mixing (cross breeding) and release may cause decline in naturally evolved local populations with finely tuned ecological parameters. Please be mindful of local populations when exchanging and rearing (genetics and pathogens considered!). Nature has taken thousands of years to fine tune populations and human actions can damage that balance in a very short time!

examples of geographic variants

NOTE: Sizes and Wing Shapes!

(for details, please click on the images and refer to the comments for each pic)

Alabama

Nova Scotia

sw. South Dakota & Adj. Wyoming (cecropia x gloveri blend zone ?)

Habitat

Natural Habitats seem to be open areas with adjacent trees and green spaces (i.e. early successional, meadows, and waterways).

Attracted to lights and increasingly common in urban and suburban areas (1)

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STATUS: "Secure"

Habitat degradation has resulted in decline of this species across parts of its range.

A. Historically more common and widespread, today the cecropia moth appears to be “UNCOMMON” or at least infrequently encountered across much of its former range.

B. Population and range decline is often attributed to the following:

1. Habitat Loss

2. Pollution

3. Herbicides & Pesticides

4. Movement and introductions of stocks from various parts of the range likely resulting in the spread of pathogens and degradation of natural gene pools. (It is often believed that introducing "new individuals/gene mixing" into a population "may boost the gene pool" by increasing genetic diversity; however, this practice may create more problems than solutions. It is never wise to corrupt populations with introductions no matter how good one's intentions.)

3) Possibly declining in parts of the range due to parasitism by a tachinid fly, Compsilura concinnata, introduced by the USDA to control the Gypsy Moth.

C. Currently thought to be “Globally Secure” with no conservation measures in place, populations should be monitored and conserved.

D. There is increased concern for this species as its populations decline in some areas, and it may be protected in parts of its range (This species is listed under articles of concern in a few states. It is a good idea to check with local authorities before collecting or trading).

NOTE: After years of collecting, rearing and taking notes from others, the following list of plants have been reported &/or observed to be hosts for the larvae of H. cecropia. HOWEVER, it is very important to consider the following: A host plant consumed by the larvae of this insect in one part of the range/region may not be accepted by this species in another!

NOTE: Cocoons have been collected from Bald Cypress in swamps with no other apparent host plants in the immediate vicinity. I have attempted to rear “Florida cecropia” on Bald Cypress with very limited success (although the larvae would eat cypress, they were prone to wander & die / larvae were allowed access to and grazed across additional offered hosts incl. buttonbush); however, for best results, it may require the collection of and subsequent experimentation with material associated with this particular host. (??)

Several conifer species have been reported to serve as hosts for cecropia; however, evidence suggest these reports may be misidentifications (Eacles?) and or happen stance locations where larvae spun their cocoons and are not necessarily reflective of that plant having been the larval host.

37) Tamarack, Larix laricina (PINACEAE)

38) Tamarack, Larix spp . (PINACEAE)

39) Hemlock, Tsuga spp. (PINACEAE) - ???

40) Spruce, Picea spp. (PINACEAE) - ???

41) Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga spp. (PINACEAE) - ???

42) Fir, Abies spp. (PINACEAE) - ???

43) Pines, Pinus spp. (PINACEAE) - ???

RHAMNACEAE, “Buckthorn Family”

44) Buckthorn/Ceanothus, Ceanothus spp. (RHAMNACEAE)

45) Ceanothus, C. coeruleus (RHAMNACEAE)

ROSACEAE, “Rose Family”

46) * Wild Cherry/Black Cherry, Prunus serotina (ROSACEAE) - FAVORED

47) Pin Cherry, P. pennsylvanica (ROSACEAE)

48) Choke Cherry, P. virginiana (ROSACEAE)

49) Bitter Cherry, Prunus emarginata (ROSACEAE)

50) Various wild Prunus spp. (ROSACEAE)

51) Cherry Laurel, Prunus caroliniana - does not appear to be an acceptable host. (ROSACEAE)

I have attempted to rear cecropia on many of the hosts listed above; however, based on personal experience here in the Southeast, the " * " denotes those host plant species with which I have had success. Although I was able to rear cecropia from egg to adult on many of the other plants in this list, high mortality among early instars and subsequent slow larval development was often observed. (pers. obs., Bill Reynolds)

2–6 eggs are laid in rows on both sides of leaf of small host tree or shrub;

eggs hatch in 10–14 days; young larvae feed in groups on leaves;

older larvae are solitary;

overwinters as a pupa in spindle-shaped silken cocoon attached lengthwise to tree branch

Tony Thomas points out: "These cocoons come in two forms,

the slim tight ones

and the loose baggy ones.

Not sure if it's sexual dimorphism with the female having the baggy cocoon.

Cocoon Morphology & Function(?):

Cocoon morphology ("baggy vs. compact") does not indicate the gender of the insect. Male to female eclosion ratios from the various cocoon types suggest cocoon morphology has little if anything to do with gender. However, cocoon morphology may have something to do with stock origins, suggesting adaptations to particular ecosystems. Regarding gender, often times the size and weight of the pupae within the cocoon can be suggestive - females usually being "weightier" by comparison (personal experience).

Observations suggest the various cocoon morphologies may have environmental purposes. In the fire-maintained ecosystems of the Southeast, the baggy cocoons are often prevalent. I have collected scorched yet viable cocoons of the baggy form in and along recent burn sites, most of which have sucessfully eclosed. (Notes on cocoon morphologies: pers. obs. mid-1970's thru 2011, Bill Reynolds)

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Multiple Generations (?):

Reported to have multiple generations in the South (??); I have NOT yet personally observed adults in nature beyond the spring/early summer months. Adults can be seen from late March thru early to mid-June across the Southeast - incl. FL, GA, AL, MS, TN, SC, and NC - however, reports of later seasonal observations may be misidentifications of related taxa.

NOTE: Callosamia spp. have two to three generations in the South and may exhibit multiple brood overlap in the extreme southern parts of their ranges.

Rearing cecropia in mesh sleeves subjected to natural outdoor conditions ("in situ") also suggests they are typically univoltine here in the South (rare exceptions may be observed). Rare incidental eclosions have been observed to occur "indoors", but are not likely the norm. Even as far south as central Florida (Ocala) cecropia pupae appear to require a series of cool spells to break diapause. (pers. obs. mid-1970's thru 2011, Bill Reynolds)

Contacts in Louisiana report two generations are possible when this species is reared in captive conditions for display and exhibit, but this observation is not likely to be typical of the local natural populations. Since stock origins are not confirmed to be local/pure and are subsequently maintained in controlled indoor conditions, their eclosion times may not be indicative of the natural/local south Louisiana populations.

Additional Observation NOTES: Rearing this species by the hundreds each year here in NC, we have occasionally seen cocoons eclose indoors during the late summer/early fall thru mid-winter suggesting that cool spells may not be required by all individuals to break diapause; however, without winter cooling, fewer cocoons eclose and we certainly see more deformations, sporadic eclosions & less synchronized emergences.

Similar observations of the occasional "off season eclosion" have also been made for Hyalophora gloveri reared and maintained indoors. (per. comm., Patrick White 2010-2012)

Remarks

Hyalophora cecropia

Eastern USA, Eastern Canada, and reported from ne. Mexico (?)

There are currently no subspecies recognized; however, this taxon is subject to geographic variation and there are recognized hybrid populations containing cecropia blends.

Appears to be declining, likely due to parasitism by a tachinid fly, Compsilura concinnata, introduced to control the Gypsy Moth (2).

Not sure if this is the tachinid, but it is a tachinid and its eggs

Additional NOTES regarding the various life stages:

ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE (Pest, Medical significance, Venomous, … etc.)

Members of this Genus are not known to have any strong negative economic impacts on human agriculture or economy. In some instances, the larvae are considered “pesty” defoliators of fruit trees & ornamentals, however, there is no long term damage produced by the feeding habits of the larvae.

3. One of North America’s most beautiful and impressive insect Genera and worth conserving!

The imposing larvae DO NOT sting; however, they do contain toxins & complex proteins in their hemolymph (blood), incl. a strong antibiotic, Attacin. When disturbed, the larvae will “bow up”, thrash from side to side and may release small droplets of hemolymph containing various toxins. This cocktail of chemicals often includes compounds derived from host foliage as well as the complex defensive proteins. In some instances, there may be severe reactions (incl. skin irritation, rash, burning & itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing - extreme reactions may include swelling and difficulty breathing). Individuals subjected to repeated or frequent exposure (usu. researchers & hobbyists) often develop allergic reactions to the cuticular hydrocarbons, body fluids, hemolymph, frass (poop & assoc. mold), and the adults’ wing scales. Prolonged exposure often increases one’s risk of sensitivity!

See Also

Although Covell's Guide to Moths says "Easily recognized by its large size and red body with white collar and abdominal cross bands" (1), this species is easily confused with the very similar Columbia Silkmoth [and vice versa]. Columbia Silkmoth has no red shading beyond PM line on forewing and hindwing, and is smaller [wingspan to 100 mm]. (compare images of both species).

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.